I like a slightly sweet, buttery cornbread with a moist center. I also like to add a can of corn which result in chewy kernels dotted throughout the bread. The biggest secret to good cornbread is don’t over mix. It’s our natural impulse to mix things til their silky smooth. This is exactly what you want when you’re making Hollandaise sauce, whipped cream, or icing sugar; but bread batter is delicate. Save those arm muscles for when you’ll really need it, and for this recipe mix just enough to moisten the batter. I always serve this with my homemade chili as a perfect vehicle to mop up all the extra juices, and I usually don’t have much to save for the next day.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cup medium ground cornmeal

1 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

2 tsp. baking powder

2 eggs, beaten

1 can corn, drained

1 1/2 cup whole milk

1/2 cup butter, melted (with a small tab on reserve)

1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil

Method

Preheat oven to 450°F

In a large bowl mix together dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt and baking powder.

In a separate bowl mix together wet ingredients: can of corn, eggs, milk, butter and olive oil. Reserve a small tab of butter to heat in skillet and create a nice crust on the bottom.

Slowly add in the wet ingredients to the larger bowl and mix gently. Do not over mix the batter, just mix enough to combine ingredients. Don’t worry about a few lumps, if you over mix your cornbread will come out dense. You want fluffy cornbread!

Heat a heavy bottom iron skillet on high and add a tsp of oil and a tab of butter.

When the skillet is hot, pour in the batter. It should sizzle in the pan, which will ensure crispy edges and utter happiness.

Let it cook for a minute, then put it in the oven to bake

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cut into wedges, squares or sticks and serve with chili or softened butter.

Adjust the amount of sugar depending on your taste. I like it more on the sweeter side but most of my family likes it a little more savory. I usually win, as I’m the one making it! ENJOY and happy cooking!